Leadership: it's not a joke

Published: 2012-02-13   There are 4 comments ... please add yours below

“I’m not afraid of dying … I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” It’s vintage, pessimistic Woody Allen. But what’s it got to do with leadership? Little directly. But, below I’ve taken 10 of his sayings and translated them into lessons for leadership. Do you have others?

1. Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons. We each need clear goals and success metrics – both operational and financial. What are your top four?
2. If my film makes one more person miserable, I’ll feel I’ve done my job. Beyond your goals, you need a mission – defining why you’re doing it all. Is yours clear and energising?
3. Join the army, see the world, meet interesting people – and kill ‘em. On the contrary, leadership is about engaging, developing and motivating. How would your team rate you?
4. My one regret in life is that I am not someone else. Good leaders are authentic. They ring true. People trust them. So, find yourself! Then you’ll find it easier to find others to follow you.
5. The biggest flaw in being self-taught is there are gaps. And, a tendency to default actions – believing there’s one right way. Instead, keep on learning i.e. finding new ways.
6. Time is nature’s way of keeping everything from happening at once. Successful leaders prioritise their time and resources to achieve their goals. How do you rate on this?
7. I took a speed-reading course and read “War and Peace” in 20 minutes. It involves Russia. You can’t be tops at everything. Better to empower others and engage their skills.
8. With my complexion I don’t tan, I stroke. Can you take the heat? Do you have stamina? Without endurance, it’s hard to lead for the long haul. Who could you emulate in this area?
9. This year I’m a star, but what will I be next year? A black hole? Are you optimistic? If you’re not, it’s hard for others to be positive. Remember, you set the tone. So, be upbeat!

And, let’s finish where we started …

10. I’m not afraid of dying … I just don’t want to be there when it happens. But, leaders have to lead the charge, walk the talk, be there at the start … and also at the end.

So, in closing, forget Woody Allen and ask yourself this. Would your team say you should be more positive and build a better culture? If so, click here to plan it – at ZERO COST this week!

Dr. Timothy Pascoe AM
PhD (Cambridge), MBA (Harvard), BE & BEc (Adelaide)
Creator, V|E|C|T|O|R Leadership^®